By
Joseph Bell, Record Editor
For many folks, it seems to be the simplest of tasks: "I can get into the grocery store and remember things without even writing it down," says Jim Bodien of Ridgway, "even if it is just two or three things."
Jim suffers from Huntington's disease, a genetic defect on chromosome No. 3 that has caused loss of memory, judgment, speech changes, personality changes, and has brought on confusion in his life. To simply remember those two or three grocery items is in itself a noteworthy achievement.
By
Ted Lutz, Republican Staff
Tom and Sue VanGiesen on Tuesday heard the worst news parents can ever hear.
Their 30-year-old son-- Staff Sgt. Kenneth VanGiesen-- had been killed in Afghanistan while serving with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
As can be imagined, it's been a painful four days for the VanGiesen family as plans still are being made for the soldier's funeral in Kane.
Despite their heartache and tears, the VanGiesens both claim their faith in God will see them through these darkest days of their lives.
